The UPAC Counseling and Treatment Center is funded through a contract with the San Diego County department of Health and Human Services, Adult and Older Adult Mental Health services Division. UPAC Counseling and Treatment Center provides traditional outpatient services to adults requiring individual therapy, medication management, case management and crisis intervention as part of a county wide system of mental health services. These services are to target primarily Asian and Pacific Islander clients. This position will be based at the Mid City site location on University Avenue.

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Assistant Supervisor, the Administrative Assistant will provide a combination of clinical peer support services and administrative support to the overall functions of UPAC Counseling and Treatment Center. The estimated time breakdown will be as follows: 40% Clinical / 60% Administrative.

Candidate must have lived experience with mental health recovery, or must have experience of a close family member who has been through the process of mental health recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Peer Specialist duties

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Peer Specialist will facilitate weekly Orientation group for new clients

Provide education to family members about mental health services, as needed

Greet clients and family members in the waiting room, and share messages of hope and recovery as needed. This may also include sharing one’s personal experience – at employee’s discretion.

Explore welcoming activities (group or individual) for newly referred clients to the clinic

Assists clients with case management services and referrals for adjunct services as needed, under the direction of the clients’ therapists.

Assist with providing support to clients who are receiving telepsych services

Communicate regularly with telepsych MD during telepsych sessions

Complete regular documentation of interactions with MD, including any recommendations from MD

Conducts outreach in the community, as requested. This may include some evening or weekend outreach 2-3x per YEAR

Prepares written reports and records as required by the program, which includes documentation of interpretation, case management and other services rendered.

Functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team and participates in program planning, diagnosis, treatment, goal development, utilization review, and discharge planning.

Notifies therapist and/or Program Manager when a client reports medication side effects, suicidal and/or homicidal ideation, and any changes in behavior.

Provide administrative support to the Clinic by typing, filing, duplication, faxing and other duties as requested by Program Manager

Will coordinate interpreters from Interpreters Unlimited, or thru other interpreting agencies for all interpretation needs. Will alert Program Director if interpreters are unavailable for any given appointment

Will maintain electronic scheduling of interpreters and also all clinic appointments

Will fax prescription requests to pharmacies as needed

Greet clients and visitors in a professional manner.

Using a multi-line phone, answer calls in a professional manner, take accurate messages and/or direct calls appropriately.

Prepare files for newly admitted clients

Alert Program Manager of any urgent front desk concerns immediately

Other administrative duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum high school diploma or equivalent

Must have lived experience with mental health recovery, or must have experience of a close family member who has been through the process of mental health recovery

Excellent organizational skills and ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely fashion

Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure

Must have own transportation for business purposes. If employee drives his/her personal automobile for UPAC business, employee must have a valid driver’s license and comprehensive automobile insurance coverage, as required by law.

Skilled in proofing and reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness

Ability to work well with the public as well as with non-English speaking psychiatric clients

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to sensitive or proprietary information or materials

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a multicultural environment, including tact, diplomacy, patience and professionalism in dealing with individuals from a variety of backgrounds

Personal lived experience as someone who has achieved process of recovery as a mental health consumer and/or family member

Additional Preferred Education and/or Experience Which is a Plus:

Proficiency to speak one of the following languages: Cambodian, Pilipino (Tagalog), Karen, or Vietnamese.